WTA (WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION) ISSUES STATEMENT ON ITF RULING FOR MARIA SHARAPOVA DECISION

Written by: Staff on 8th June 2016

Maria Sharapova receives two-year ban for failed drug test

WTA (WOMEN'S TENNIS ASSOCIATION) ISSUES STATEMENT ON ITF RULING FOR MARIA SHARAPOVA DECISION

epa05351780 (FILE) A file picture dated 16 January 2016 of Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova reacting during a training session prior the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. Maria Sharapova received a two-year ban after being tested positive for Meldonium at the Australian Open 2016, media reports stated on 08 June 2016. Sharapova will not be allowed to compete until 26 January 2018. EPA/FILIP SINGER |

June 8, 2016

WTA Issues Statement on ITF Ruling for Maria Sharapova

WTA Statement: Steve Simon, WTA CEO, in response to today’s ITF ruling in the Sharapova case:

“It is important at all times for players to be aware of the rules and to follow them. In this case, Maria has taken responsibility for her mistake from the outset. The WTA supports the process that the ITF and Maria have followed. The ITF has made its ruling and, under the Tennis Anti-Doping Program, the decision may be appealed to the Court Arbitration for Sport. The WTA will continue to follow this closely and we hope it will be resolved as soon as possible.”

A file picture dated 26 January 2016 of Maria Sharapova of Russia serving the ball to Serena Williams of the USA during their quarter final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia. Maria Sharapova received a two-year ban after being tested positive for Meldonium at the Australian Open 2016, media reports stated on 08 June 2016. Sharapova will not be allowed to compete until 26 January 2018. EPA/LUKAS COCH

Maria Sharapova of Russia in action against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland during their fourth round match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2016. EPA/TRACEY NEARMY

Maria Sharapova of Russia waves to the crowd after her first round match against Nao Hibino of Japan at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 18 January 2016. EPA/MAST IRHAM

Topics: 10sballs, Anti-Doping Program, Maria Sharapova, meldonium, Sharapova tennis, Sports, Tennis News, Wta